Why did towns flip their allegiance during the election?

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NY) - It has been weeks since Election Day, and many are still trying to figure out why voters who supported President Obama in 2012 decided to back Donald Trump this time around, including the New Jersey town of Nutley.

Nutley, New Jersey in Essex County is about 10 miles from Manhattan.

With a population of 28-thousand, the majority of voters this year voted for Donald Trump.

In 2012, a majority went for President Obama.

In New Jersey, momentum like this wasn't enough to turn the garden state red, but the trend nationwide in important swing states was crucial for Mr. Trump's victory."

Inside the Nutley Diner, a busy Saturday morning brunch was served with a candid conversation about the election.

"I weighed my options. I’m very pro-woman, and I wanted to see the very first female president,” said Maria Palumbo.

Maria Palumbo considers herself an independent, but on election Tuesday, she didn't vote for Clinton even though she cast a democratic ballot 4 years ago.

"I wanted to give someone who wasn't a politician a try. Someone that actually ran a company and gave people jobs and build things,” said Palumbo.

Her decision, like a few others, was part of the reason that Nutley tipped toward president-elect Donald Trump by just 400 votes.

Nutley, one of 53 across the state, flipped from the 2012 election.

"Locally, it doesn't surprise me. Nutley is always a bell weather town. It captures what people think nationwide," said Nutley Mayor Joseph Scarpelli.

While the divisive tone and racial tension was an undeniable factor in the rise of the NY billionaire, Scarpelli did not think that was the reason his town, with a majority of registered democrats turned red.

"Probably economics drove it.  I don't think it's trickled down to the average person here in Nutley," he said.

Trump secured enough electoral votes on his path to the White House by adding Michigan and Wisconsin to his column. Between the two states, about 34 counties, including many suburbs of Detroit, swapped sides.

"I don't think it has anything to do with race here in Nutley, we're a diverse community. I think it all comes down to economics and growth," said Maria.

Growth could be on its way soon. A new research center is coming to town- a project started during the Obama years, and could end up being another win for Donald Trump.